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Onion production in the country is estimated to increase by 15 per cent to 19.3 million tonnes (MT) in 2013-14, Parliament was informed today.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Agriculture Sanjeev Balyan said, "...as per figures received from state governments, onion production in the country in 2013-14 is estimated to be about 19.3 million tonnes as compared to 16.81 million tonnes in 2012-13."

Balyan also added that as per trends of last few years retail onion prices tend to be lower during the rabi season and rises from June onwards.

"Price trends over the last few years suggest that retail prices tend to be lower during rabi (the main production season viz. March-May). This year also, retail prices were at their lowest from March to May (Rs 17-19 per kg) and have risen from June," the reply showed.

The minister further said that retail prices of onion touched Rs 26 per kg in July, as per reports from state civil supplies department from selected 59 centres.

"The price rise in onion can be attributed to several factors such as increase in cost of input, increased transportation costs, higher consumption due to growing urbanisation, seasonality, inclement weather conditions, etc," the minister said in the reply.

In the first week of this month, the government had imposed stock limits on onion by bringing it under the purview of Essential Commodities Act.